STOPPP is an acronym for the San Mateo Countywide STOrmwater
Pollution
Prevention
Program.
The program is part of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
(NPDES) permit issued to the City/County Association of Governments (C/CAG),
each incorporated city and town in the county, and the County of San Mateo.
C/CAG-STOPPP offices are in Redwood City, California.

Why does STOPPP exist?

A variety of toxic pollutants are washed from streets and parking lots
into storm drains, creeks, and ultimately the Bay or ocean. These
pollutants include leaking oil, antifreeze, and gasoline from motor vehicles;
copper dust, which is released from motor vehicle brake pad linings; rubber
tire dust which wears off motor vehicle tires; soaps and chemicals
used to wash motor vehicles; waste motor oil from vehicles, lawn mowers,
and small equipment which isn't taken to a recycling center; oils from
leaking trash containers at restaurants; and fertilizers, pesticides, &
herbicides when used excessively on lawns or gardens. Recent studies
indicate that many of the pollutants entering the San Francisco Bay come from
polluted stormwater runoff. The Federal Clean Water Act and the California
Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act require that large urban areas
discharging stormwater into the San Francisco Bay or the Pacific Ocean
have an NPDES stormwater discharge permit. San Mateo, Santa Clara,
Alameda, Marin, and Contra Costa Counties have each obtained these permits.
Certain types of businesses must also apply for individual coverage, by
filing a Notice of Intent (NOI) with the State Water Resources Control
Board..

What is the goal of STOPPP

The purpose of these NPDES permits and the goal of STOPPP is
to reduce discharge of pollutants to creeks, the Bay and ocean to the maximum
extent practicable.

How is STOPPP being implemented?

The conditions of the NPDES permit are being met through the accomplishment
of tasks. Tasks are either assigned to the countywide General Program
or to individual municipal programs. Local municipal governments
are assigned tasks that include inspecting the storm drain system, street
sweeping, and educating/inspecting commercial facilities. Commercial
and industrial businesses are encouraged to implement Best Management Practices
(BMPs), which eliminate or reduce the discharge of pollutants to the storm
drain system.

What will STOPPP do for me?

Through the success of the city and county stormwater programs in the
Bay area, the water quality of the Bay will improve. With improved
water quality, the marine ecosystem will become healthier. A healthier
marine ecosystem will enhance the quality of life for all residents around
the Bay and on the ocean.